AN: I'm so sorry this took forever to get out. The original story was destroyed. A worm got into my computer and destroyed most of my documents. Which suck. I was so dishearten that it had to take some time to rewrite everything. It wasn't a total lost. I got a chance to cement most of my ideas. Thanks everyone for your wonderful reviews and sticking with me. Without further ado, the story….

Disclaimer: As always, I do not own Inuyasha or its characters.

Uncertainty-

It was early morning. The sun had yet to peak over the horizon. Kagome sat at her desk with a new leather bound journal. It was a gift from her grand father and Souta. Apparently she had missed her birthday. The night before, they had a belated birthday party for her. Many of her friends had come, courtesy of Hojo. The devilish boy had convinced her mom and everyone to throw a surprise party.

It was indeed a big surprise. She had only been home a week when it happen. Since her awakening, it was the best thing that had happen to her. It was warming to know so many cared. Although her memories were somewhat screwed up and at times missing, she didn't mind so much. She was intent on having a blast.

She had received a lot of presents, but it was the journal that she was thankful for. Still in her pajamas, and tussled from sleep, she leapt out of bed. Immediately she sought a pen and...

She looked down at the first blank page. What should she write? She closed her eyes momentarily and soon the words came to her. She let her hand make the delicate strokes on the crisp white paper.

Today will be a new day for me. To live and to learn and perhaps to remember. I am Higurashi Kagome, reborn. Already so much has happen. A few months back, I was involved in a serious accident. The nature of the incident is still unclear. The background possibility is even stranger. You see, I was able to travel through time using the dry well that is located on our family shrine.

It's very bizarre. Could you imagine that I Kagome was able to travel to the past? Not only that but fight demons on an epic quest to gather (Kagome paused to remember what her grandfather called them)Shikon no Tama shards. It was a race to collect as many before some (Again Kagome paused to think of the half demon term) Hanyou called Naraku could. They said that these shards gave demons great power. To be honest, it's sounds like a fairy tale. I want to believe like they do, but it's difficult. Things like that don't happen in the real world. Does it?

When my family first told me, I couldn't believe it. Dare I say that I knew but didn't want to acknowledge it? It's true. Ever since I came home, the well house always sent shivers of fear through me. I need a little more time to calm my anxiety when I go near there. I can't ignore this feeling I get though. In that place, there's a clue as to why I am like this. I just know it! Yet, I'm afraid. I'm so afraid to go near that place. I feel like I'll suffocate. I'm ashamed of my cowardliness.

Even though my family told me of my adventures and the man I left there, they all seem reluctant to go into details. Sometime I get the impression they don't want me to go back. The other day I had managed to scrounge up enough courage to go inside but my grandfather said he was about to clean it. Souta out of the blue wanted me to play with him on his new game system and not only that but my mom wanted my girly opinion of a dress she bought. I know my family has good intentions, I just need to trust in their judgement for the time being.

Even with that knowledge, I can't help but feel restless. If I'm ever going to regain peace of mind and heart I must unravel this mystery. I have to do it alone. From what my mother and grandfather told me, whatever I was dealing with was dangerous. I tell every thing to Hojo, but I have this gut instinct not to tell him about this. I feel almost guilty about withholding this information from him but it's the only surefire way to keep him safe. Hojo is so very dear to me, I can not bear to think of anything happening to him.

As of late, I notice his fondness of me is a lot deeper then this supposed friendship. If my circumstances were different I know he would be a good man to give my heart to, yet that's not the case here. The father of my baby is in that other world. Inuyasha is his name. My mom seems to adore him a lot more then she does Hojo. That says a lot! She told me about his "cute doggy ears" which has me a little worried. Regardless of appearances, I know I will love this child more then any thing- Human or Hanyou.

Inuyasha: what a strange and curious name that is. It's pleasant, and rolls off my tongue playfully. Then again sometimes the name scares me. I find myself waking up in a cold sweat calling out that name. The bed sheets cling to my sweaty body like a body bag. Afterwards I always feel so a lone and lost. Inuyasha. That name alone seems to spark up something in side me, be it good or bad.

Inuyasha! If only I could remember who you are.

"Kagome, are you up yet? Hojo will he here shortly to take you to school." Mrs. Higurashi called from behind the door.

"I'm up!" Kagome responded. She looked at the whole three pages and whistled her disbelief. Who knew she had so much to say? She got up with a grin and reluctance as she closed her journal. She began to prepare for the day.

Bend the truth-

Sesshoumaru had been expecting the Kitsune who was presently bowing. Sesshoumaru nodded his head and Shippou sat upright. "Thank you milord for granting me this audience," He bowed again.

"Get to the point," Sesshoumaru let his voice blithely fill the room.

Shippou cocked a half smile, "I found her, and to think she's been under my nose this whole time! I've found Kagome and she's right here in Tokyo!" He couldn't hide the excitement from his voice.

"I am aware of the existence of the girl." Sesshoumaru replied coolly.

Shippou looked stunned. "You knew? Why didn't you tell me?" Sesshoumaru looked down at the Kitsune. Shippou realize his mistake and rephrased it. "I'm sorry for my rudeness, but you knew that I was waiting and searching for her for so long. Milord, why didn't you tell me?" He was answered with cold silence and a yellow well-worn envelope.

Shippou took it with slight puzzlement. Inside he found folded documents and many pictures. He slid the contents out and looked at the pictures. He picked up one with a little girl with two pigtails, dress in a summer dress and she was holding a red balloon. He couldn't put his finger on it but she resembled someone. The light bulb went off in his head when he realized it was Kagome. All the pictures were of her at various stages of her life. The most current one was her sitting next to a boy eating lunch.

Shippou was beyond confused, "Why are you keeping tabs of Kagome?"

"She is one of the few descendents of Rin." Even with such few words, Shippou understood the underlying meaning. It was an unspoken custom in Youkai society to watch over their charge's lineage. It was a contrary way of preserving a memory and coping with change. He knew he wasn't going to get any more out of him. So he busied himself with reading the papers.

He read the most recent note, "Kagome has amnesia."

"It's a side effect from Kikyou's curse," Sesshoumaru answered.

Shippou's eyes narrowed at the memory. "I have to see her!" Shippou said.

"Why? You will only attract attention to her weaken state." Sesshoumaru questioned.

"I have to see her, she was like a mother to me." Shippou said with finality.

"You knew her less then two years."

Shippou bowed his head at the honest truth. He looked up at the Taiyoukai lord, "Permission to speak freely sir." Sesshoumaru nodded his head. "For someone who hates humans, why are you so concern about her?"

Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed dangerously. Shippou knew he was pushing it. There was a thin line that separated them from enemy and ally. He backed pedaled, "Please forgive my rudeness. I have no right to question your opinions or actions. Please accept my apology."

After a long silence, Sesshoumaru said, "She's pregnant with Inuyasha's child." Shippou was silent. Fear gripped him at the thought. Four centuries ago, Sesshoumaru had enacted the law forbidding the breeding between humans and Youkai. Hybrids were likely killed on the spot. They starred at each other, and Shippou felt the untold warning. He was worried about Kagome and her unborn child's safety. Sensing his anxiety, Sesshoumaru concluded. "Kagome has absorbed the Shikon no Tama once again. Although it's dormant, it masking the child's power. For the time being, she will blend in with the masses, undisturbed." The room was filled with a darker threat. "With your crusade against these foreign beasts and in your position within the council, it would be wise to keep your distance from her."

"Why are you doing this?" Shippou asked. It was a loaded question. Why hadn't the great Lord killed Kagome but instead choose to protect her through anonymously? He was going against his own law!

"I need this girl alive. There are questions I have that only she may be able to answer in this point of time." Sesshoumaru replied off handedly. His posture was rigid and unyielding. "Even if you contact her against my request, she will not remember you. Your efforts will be fruitless."

"I am her friend, I should be there to help her get though this." Shippou said calmly. He was burning with anger but he had to remain docile. He knew to argue otherwise was both unhealthy and redundant. What the hell did the Great Taiyoukai know of love and friendship? It was a lost cause to stand on his motives.

"As I have stated before, you will only be putting her in danger. She does not have all of her wits, and is powerless to those that seek your destruction. She alone must master her own mind. Interfering now will only confuse her more." Sesshoumaru paused momentarily. "If you seek to protect her, do so but do not obtrude with her life."

Before he could get a word in, Sesshoumaru dismissed him. Frustrated he got up to leave. Sesshoumaru said nothing as his loyal follower left. He felt drained. Across from him he picked up the well-worn envelope. He pulled out two photos, the child Kagome with the red balloon and other one of her sitting in a park eating lunch with a friend.

The first one he studied. He gave her that red balloon, after her blue one blew away. He thought back to that incident.

It was true Kagome was one of the few left of Rin's heritage. He followed the genetic chain only maternally. Kagome was third left alive, the other two was dying or was going to die. Many over the centuries questioned him about his unique observation. No one actually got an answer. Long ago, at Rin's deathbed, he promised to look out for her children. In the five centuries that came and past, the bloodline would be considered dead to those that practice this same custom. Yet, he kept on, watching and guiding.

Through some twist of fate he learned that this little girl was the same Kagome who traveled with his brother. At first he thought it a mere coincidence. There were hundreds of girls named Kagome. In fact, there were quite a few girls of Rin's lineage called Kagome after the old child song. It was indeed a surprise.

He had a habit of visiting each child at the ripe age of five, just to catch a glimpse of his Rin. This particular visit didn't turn out the same. The moment her parents were distracted at the fair he came by, to look at her then he would leave. He was shocked and on the verge of disgust to see a little Kikyou instead. He knew at that moment, it was the same Kagome who would grow up and be a great annoyance to him.

He must have startled her as well because she let go of her balloon. She glared at him as if it were his fault. Maybe it was, he didn't care. He turned to leave but he felt two chubby little hands tug on his pants leg. "How come you wearin make-up?" He was taken back that this little girl could see his demon markings. Humans in this day and age could not see magic. He scowled at her, he forgot she had the Shikon no Tama in her. Of course she would be able to see through his disguise.

"How come you have pointy ears?" Her eyes were filled with wonderment, intelligence and lacked any traces of fear; that puzzled him. Most children had a deep-rooted instinct to run from Youkai. Yet here this little girl was staring at him with bemusement and curiosity. "You have pointy teeth! Are you that big bad woof woof from the story book come to eat me?" She laughed, "Well you can't cuz I'm not at Grammies house or wearin my red hoodie." She stuck out her tongue.

He couldn't help it but quirk a side smile. She may not look like his charge but she certainly had spunk. He snapped his finger and the vender came over. He bought the little brat a red balloon. She smiled at him and went back to her parents. On the spur of the moment, he had his newest assistant take a picture of her as she waved at him from across the crowd.

In the picture, she smiled a gap tooth smile, just like Rin. He remembered her casual reference to the Big Bad Wolf and felt a pang in his soul. Was it really a coincident?

Through the years he kept her under surveillance. Every once in a while doing check ups on the girl. He noted the times she was away in the past. Unbeknownst to her family, he had been helping out with her excuses. Giving just enough credence to her lies to make everyone overlook her absences. Why was he doing this?

He didn't care about her or her little escapades. However, there was something about her that caught his attention. She peak a curiosity, which both startled him with its intensity and granted him a certain freedom to think. In a way, she was an outlet. It was much like the way the stinking populace wasted their lives watching superfluous television shows. This Miko intrigued him and he was content to watch. However, Shippou challenged his peaceful, not to mention strictly observation only pledge. The idea of involving himself was taboo.

Which is also why he so readily forgot about the ningen. Recently the ever-increasing presence of Vampires, werewolves, and other unnatural beasts that escaped into his county had distracted him from his vigil. Then his sudden obsession with the past pulled him even further away. He had almost completely forgotten about the girl. Shippou was the one to bring it back to his attention. Again his mind began to wonder. All the 'what ifs' were driving him crazy.

If any of the information he gather about the past were worth noting, he understood at least one thing. It all came down to the accursed Shikon no Tama. Some where along the way, the path was interrupted. It was a giant circle trying to be completed.

Although he could not remember what exactly he promised Inuyasha, he figured it had something to do with Kagome and the unborn child. It was a two-fold promise, and he chooses to uphold it.

With the second picture, he gazed at it. It was Kagome now. She was sitting in the park not too far from her new school. The boy Hojo was sitting by her side gushing like a love struck fool. She looked so different from his memories. She no longer dressed in that green sailor styled uniform but modern clothes befitted of her age. Kagome was no longer a girl but a young woman, dressed in burgundy corduroys and pink slash purple baby tee. The two teens were sharing a banana split. He looked at her closely; although she smiled in the picture she seemed so sad.

The ache was growing again. The blood pounded painfully in his head. He shoved the pictures back into the envelope. Again that damn headache returned. From the desk he pulled out several bottles and took two pills from each container. He chased it with a heady dose of Vodka. He leaned back and let the weightlessness carry him off.

He looked down at the photos and secretly contemplated his 'what ifs.'

Influence-

Across from him, he stared at the roaring blaze. Words worked their way through his head. Nodding dumbly, he picked up his machete. His red leather clothing creaked as he slipped his weapon into the folds of his dark red trench coat.

He didn't want to but the voice demanded blood. He was so tired. So very tired. He wanted to go back to sleep. Yet that damn voice would not leave him alone.

A cold gust of wind blew snow into his face. The mass of white hair fluttered about but did not reveal his face. People made way for him to pass, neither caring nor noticing him. It was okay. He liked it that way. He pulled his coat tighter to his body. So cold, so numb…

The drive to kill was the only thing he felt now and days. To murder, maim and rape was not a pleasant existence. Yet that was his role in this parody of life. Tonight he would hunt.

A face flashed in his minds eye. A name on his lips…

"Kagome."

Natural Instinct-

Kagome slung her backpack over her shoulder and casually held hands with Hojo. They exited a local library. Hojo was intent on spending as much time with her before he started working at his Uncle's Business. It was a well-known technological advancement company, with very competitive positions. It was too good an offer to pass up. His goal was to get a killer career and maybe someday whisk Kagome away. He doubted her Ex was ever coming back.

"So what do you want to do today?" He asked. He loved how she tilted her to the side, her eyebrows slightly furrowed and the irresistible way she nibbled on her lower lip. She swung their hands in a happy-go-lucky manner.

"Well after I get my homework done, maybe we can go catch a flick. I hear Mega Booster 2 is out. How's that sound?"

"Its all good." He smiled at her and shook his head, "Your complete devotion to this school thing, It's scary. There's more to life then doing homework, you know." He knew he said too much. For a split second he caught the murderous and pissed off look in her eyes. He'd been seeing a lot of the alien emotion in her lately. Could it be the pregnancy?

"It's easy for you to say Hojo. Not every one is gifted like you." Kagome said. Ouch- he winced inside. Her words were spoken teasingly but there was no mistaking the bitterness there.

"Come on Kagome, don't be like that. I didn't mean it that way. I was only joking!" He pulled her into a tight hug, and nearly squeezed the life out of her.

"Hey hey easy now!" Kagome patted her stomach. He smiled apologetically. Kagome waved it off, "It's cool."

"You know, my uncle invited me to come along to the Annual Meet and Greet Dinner. He said I could bring someone, so how about it pal? You wanna be my date?" He wiggled his eyebrows up and down at the last part. Kagome burst into a fit of giggles. He loved her laugh. It was so girly like a ringing bell, and bubbly champagne.

"Sure why not? I have nothing better to do… other then homework!" Kagome giggle some more.

They were having a great time until he felt Kagome stiffen. He looked down at her as she seemed to scan the crowd warily. "Hey, what's with you?"

"Something is wrong," Kagome said secretively soft. It was a drastic change from moments before. She tugged on his hand insistently. He too looked around and saw nothing amiss.

"You're being paranoid again. There's nothing, Kag. Come on, let's get this homework done so we can get good seating." Hojo said trying to lighten the mood.

He watched, as Kagome still did not relax. She turned her chocolate brown eyes on him. There was a new light there, dangerous and wild. This scared him more then any thing. Soon her gaze softened, in a purr like voice, she pulled him in the opposite direction, "You know what? I'm really craving a milk shake and cheesecake. I know this really good diner down the street not too far from here." Hojo was all but dragged by the petite girl. "You'll love it."

He whispered her name in confusion. She glanced at him and gave him a false grin. It was a desperate attempt to change the subject. Whatever it was, it sure spooked Kagome. He would be content to just be led. Anything to make Kagome feel safe.

They arrived at a busy shopping district. Kagome headed straight to a small eatery. Once there they got their order and they sat down. She knew Hojo was watching her closely. She waited to swallow her bit of pie.

"So you said the annual meet and greet is going to be big this year. Is there some sort of dress code for this event?" Kagome asked. She licked her spoon to get every bit off. It was odd, she never liked cheesecake but lately she was craving a lot of different things.

Hojo folded his hands on the table and lean forward. Casually he tossed his hair to the side. "It's a very prestigious celebration. I would think it be a tux and gown event."

Kagome looked dishearten, "Really?" Last time she checked, there was nothing in her closet that resembled a gown, heck she didn't even have a prom dress! To top it all off, the dresses she had didn't exactly hide the now noticeable bulge.

"Two words Kagome. Shopping spree." Hojo gave her a side smile. Kagome looked uneasy. "Don't worry its on me."

Kagome looped a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. "Hojo, we need to talk." He leaned forward and waited to listen. Kagome inhaled deep and let the breath out slowly. "You're my best friend Hojo, but it's not necessary to shower me with gifts all the time. Your gifts are appreciated, really but It makes me feel like a charity case. Besides, people will begin to wonder."

"Wonder what Kagome?" He said absolutely clueless.

"Oh I don't know, like I'm your girlfriend or something." Kagome blushed and fidgeted with her napkin.

"Is the idea of me being your boyfriend that bad?" Hojo looked insulted and very hurt.

"Of course not!" Kagome flustered. "It's just that…" She let that one trail off.

"Your still in love with him, aren't you?" There was calmness to him as he said that.

Kagome looked away and out the window. "I don't know Hojo. I just don't know." She looked back at him, "How can I answer that?"

Hojo shrugged his shoulder, "Honestly, I suppose."

Kagome nodded, "Then the answer is yes and no, for how can anyone love what they can't remember?"

Hojo smiled only a little, "This Inuyasha guy must be pretty special to kept your heart even if your mind doesn't remember."

Kagome smiled and reached across to hold her friend's hand. "Don't forget, you're in there too."

The two teens came back to reality when a crowd gather around them 'oh!' and 'awing' at the cute couple. Kagome sweat dropped while Hojo nervously scratched his head. Quickly they left from the prying eyes of the diner patrons.

Friendship is priceless-

As they were walking, they past by a pricey designer store. Hojo wasn't even interested until he glimpse a peachy coral evening dress. His mind mental dressed Kagome in it and he nearly nose-bled. He had to mentally kick himself to get his thoughts under control.

"Kagome, check this out!" Hojo said as he opened the door for her. Kagome raised an eyebrow at him and at the store. He had an odd fixation with shopping that sometimes worried her.

Hojo didn't even wait for her to step over the threshold before whisking her away to the dress. He took it off the hanger and sizes it up to her. He grinned a Cheshire cat smile and ordered her to try it on. The sales woman came over to talk quietly with Hojo.

Kagome stood in the dressing room with the dress trying to over hear the conversation. It was useless. She put the dress on and did a small twirl to get an overall view. She looked utter shocked. It was a nice dress but a little too provocative. The front was a deep V and Kagome finally noticed her breasts were now larger. She blushed, and turned to look at the other aspects of the dress. It skimmed down her waist and hips, and even accentuated her rear. The back was cut low but fortunately it was tasteful. If she had to pick one thing about the dress she liked how the rippling flow on the hem sashayed with her every move. She touched the fabric as it shimmered like fine powder.

Kagome looked at herself with new eyes. Damn, I'm hot! Kagome covered her mouth even though she didn't say the words. Just thinking the words seem so mischievous!

"Come on out. I want to see." Hojo knocked on the door after waiting several minutes.

"Uh… okay." Kagome said. She smiled and blew a kiss at the mirror and winked. She opened the door to a speechless Hojo.

"What's wrong?" Kagome asked.

Still silence and more gawking. Kagome waved a hand in front of her friends face.

"Your no angel… you're a goddess!" Hojo said and did a 360 around her.

"Um… thanks?" Kagome said and folded her arms. It was one thing having him stare at her longingly but ogling just creeped her out. He was after all her best friend!

"That's it! Put it on my bill!" Hojo raised his credit card. The sales woman gladly accepted.

Kagome out of curiosity looked at the price tag. She nearly fainted at the ridiculous price. She pulled Hojo aside and spoke with him in a harsh whisper.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Nope. Trust me on this." He said.

"Didn't I just say a while ago that-" Hojo placed a finger on her lips.

"I know. I'm not trying to make you feel oblige or indebted to me, really! Just this once, please let me do this for you. Besides, your one hot mama and you better flaunt what you got now before you start packing on those pounds." He stepped back as Kagome starred at him in disbelief. Kagome playful slapped him on the arm for his little opinion.

"Um, one problem," Kagome said as she looked down at herself. Her stomach was relatively flat but she could see the small bump. She patted her womb wondering how to cover it up. Hojo looked at her, shifted on leg and stoke his chin. He looked to the side and spotted a feathery-chiffon shawl that was a few shades lighter then the dress. He handed it to her.

With it looped lazily over her arms, the shawl naturally fell down her middle and obscured her belly. With that also added to his card, the two left with big bright smiles and heavy bags. It seemed the earlier scare had already been forgotten.

It wouldn't be for long. The shadowed man slipped back into the darken alleyway. Watching and waiting.

To be continued…

I'll try to stick to my Monday posting! Just keep your fingers crossed.